AMD's FX-8150 and FX-8120 are based on the new Bulldozer architecture

Details about Advanced Micro Devices' first eight-core desktop processors, based on its Bulldozer architecture, have appeared on some retail sites ahead of their official launch.

The FX-8150 and FX-8120 processors are part of the re-launched FX family of chips, which are pitched as high-performance parts aimed at gaming machines and other high-end systems. The FX chips are based on AMD's new Bulldozer architecture, which provides a speed boost of 50 percent or more compared to its predecessor, according to AMD.

The chips will compete with Intel's high-end Core i7-990X Extreme Edition processor, based on the Westmere architecture, which is much more expensive at $999 (PDF). However, Intel will soon release an Extreme Edition chip based on its newer Sandy Bridge microarchitecture, said an Intel representative at the company's trade show in September.

Intel also offers the Core i7-2600 quad-core processor, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture and priced at $294. The chip has been demonstrated running gaming systems.

Other chips based on AMD's Bulldozer design, such as the 16-core "Interlagos" Opteron processors, will be used in servers. Those Interlagos systems are expected this quarter.

Correction: This story as originally posted misstated the number of cores in Intel's Core i7-2600 microprocessor. The article has been amended.